Camp Susquehanna

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Camp Susquehanna

Camp Susquehanna is dedicated to providing children with burns the opportunities to face social and physical challenges, develop self-esteem, and promote a positive attitude while encouraging healthy independence.  Camp is a safe place for healing, a place for children to share feelings about difficult experiences, perhaps for the first time.  Life skills workshops combined with many fun activities ensure that the child with burn injuries enjoys special experiences.  Camp Susquehanna strives to have every child meet the  goals of building self-esteem,  learning responsibility, and developing coping strategies to use outside the camp arena.  One way we do this is by providing challenge activities that give children the sense of ‘conquering’ and accomplishment.

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About

Philosophy & Goals

Camp Susquehanna is dedicated to providing children with burns the opportunities to face social and physical challenges, develop self- esteem, and promote a positive attitude while encouraging healthy independence.  Camp is a safe place for healing, a place for children to share feelings about difficult experiences, perhaps for the first time.  Life skills workshops combined with many fun activities ensure that the child with burn injuries enjoys special experiences.  Camp Susquehanna strives to have every child meet the  goals of building self-esteem,  learning responsibility, and developing coping strategies to use outside the camp arena.  One way we do this is by providing challenge activities that give children the sense of ‘conquering’ and accomplishment.

History

Camp Susquehanna came into being after a lecture in 1994 to the Lancaster SERTOMA club by Alan Breslau, founder of the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. The club presented him with a Service to Mankind Award and asked him what they could do to help burn survivors. Alan immediately suggested that they establish a camp for burned children. It was decided there and then by the Sertomans that they would do so in memory of M Elvin Byler their founder. Camp Susquehanna was born! The first camp was held on the beautiful campus of Franklin and Marshall College with eight children that very same summer. It was a very ‘full on’ program packed tightly with fun activities and outings, directed by Richard Friedman, Lee Walp, Cindy Thomas and Alan & Delwyn Breslau with enthusiastic support from the Sertoma members and the Fire Service. Children have since been flown in from many different states where there are no established camps for them to attend. Alan and Delwyn remained closely involved with the annual summer camp until their emigration to New Zealand in 2003.

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Camper Info

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Activities


Swimming


Hiking


Nature-Walks


Climbing Walls


Rope Courses


Music


Games


Art Projects


Campfire


Zipline


Special Programs


…And much more!

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Volunteer Info

Counselors must be present at camp per the dates listed above. No exceptions.

  • Have experience working with children
  • Complete the application
  • Complete a phone interview
  • Attend all days of camp
  • Must have Criminal and Child Abuse checks completed and mailed prior to attending camp. Anyone who has not lived in the state of PA for the last ten consecutive years ​must also complete an FBI fingerprint check. Clearances are valid for 60 months from date of ​issue.
  • Burn survivors ages 18-20 may apply to the Leaders-In-Training Program
  • All others potential volunteers must be at least 21 years of age

2019 Volunteer Application »

Packing List

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Donate

Camp Susquehanna is only possible because of generous community donors and businesses. It costs roughly $1000 to send one child to camp, and the entire experience is completely free of charge to our campers and their families! If you are interested in making a tax-deductible donation, please use the donate button below or make your check out to the Burn Prevention Network and put Camp Susquehanna in the comment section.

 

CHECK OUT OUR AMAZON WISHLIST!

 

JOIN OUR ONLINE FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN!

 

If you prefer to send a check:

Burn Prevention Network c/o Camp Susquehanna
236 North 17th Street
Allentown, PA 18104

** Please make checks payable to Burn Prevention Network and write Camp Susquehanna in the memo line

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Leadership

Breck Artz, MS

Breck Artz is a Mobile Therapist/Behavioral Specialist Consultant with TW Ponessa & Associates in Lancaster, PA. There she works with children and adolescents with mental health diagnosis within the home, community, and school settings. She has her Master’s degree in Child, Youth, and Family Studies with a specialization in Youth Development. Breck has been a part of Camp Horizon (a specialized camp for children with chronic skin disorders) since 1998 and has been on their director team since 2002. These experiences have led her to Camp Susquehanna as part of the programming team. She has been involved with Camp Susquehanna since 2014.

Jessica Banks, BSE

Jessica Banks is the Prevention Education Director and Camp Liaison for the Burn Prevention Network. She has a Bachelor’s degree with dual certification in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Millersville University. She worked in Early Care Classrooms and Administration for 18 years before joining the staff of the Burn Prevention Network in 2006. She runs all programming for BPN, and holds the PA State Levels I&II Certification as a Youth Fire Misuse Specialist.  She has been involved with Camp Susquehanna since 2015.

Liz Dideon Hess, LCSW

Liz Dideon Hess is a Clinical Social Worker working in private practice therapy. Previously, she has worked at Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Regional Burn Center for 13 years, where she provided mental health counseling, support group facilitation, and oversaw peer support programs for pediatric and adult burn survivors. She specializes in trauma, social skill development, grief, and body image issues. Liz has been a burn survivor since 2003 and has been involved with Camp Susquehanna since 2004.

Marcia Levinson, PT, PhD, MFT

Marcia Levinson is an Associate Professor at Thomas Jefferson University, in the department of Physical Therapy. Her specialty is pediatrics, with a Master’s degree in family counseling, a Master of Science degree in Pediatric Physical Therapy and a Doctorate in Clinical Child Development. Marcia has been on the Leadership Team of Camp Susquehanna since 2002.

Jennifer Nagle, RN, BSN, CCRN

Jennifer Nagle graduated in 1999 from Widner University with a Bachelors degree in nursing and has worked as a critical care nurse at Lehigh Valley Health Network’s, Regional Burn Center since 2003. Jenn has been involved with Camp Susquehanna since 2006 and the LIT leader since 2013.

Steven Schneider, CFPS

Steven Schneider is a retired Fire Chief and currently works for a large fire protection service provider. He is the Lehigh Valley Health Network, Regional Burn Center’s Liaison to the Fire Service. Steve has been involved with Camp Susquehanna since 2014 and the LIT leader since 2015.

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Leaders In Training

The Leaders In Training (LIT) program is a three year leadership program within Camp Susquehanna, for young adults ages 18 to 21 with an option for a fourth year. The LIT program focuses on fostering skills necessary to becoming a good leader as well as developing life skills that will be beneficial throughout the participant’s lifetime. Through a combination of group discussions and exercises, the participants will recognize the value of teamwork and planning, how to overcome obstacles, handle setbacks and continue to develop their own values. These skills will be put to use while interacting and assisting the campers and councilors. Entry into this program is via an application process, which will be reviewed by a committee of the Camp and those accepted will be notified.

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FAQs

What is Camp Susquehanna?

Camp is a 5 day, sleep-away experience for children ages 7-17 who have had a burn injury. It is an opportunity for children to have fun, learn life skills, and meet other burn survivors. Although Camp Susquehanna’s campers are of varying ages, activities and groups are geared towards each camper’s developmental needs.

Where is C.S.?

Camp Susquehanna is being held at beautiful Camp Westmont in Poyntelle, PA!  Surrounded by beautiful woods and containing many outdoor adventures, campers and counselors also enjoy the amenities of air conditioned facilities.

Who are the counselors/Staff?

Our staff consists of adult burn survivors, health care professionals, burn center staff and fire service professionals.  All of our staff undergoes criminal background checks, screening interviews, and training.

How much does it cost?

NOTHING! Camp is free to campers, sponsored by the M. Elvin Byler Memorial Sertoma Club, Burn Prevention Network,  and other generous donors.  Campers are also offered free roundtrip bus transportation from several different sites/burn centers across Pennsylvania; including Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Lehigh Valley.  Children may also be brought to camp via private vehicle.

What about my child’s special needs?

Camp Susquehanna has qualified burn nurses on staff who dispense medications, change dressings, assist with pressure garments, and perform medical duties as needed.  For the first time this year we will also have the benefit of Telemedicine Services through Lehigh Valley Health Network!  Our programming is geared to include all levels of ability and function.   Other professionals are present, including mental health, physical, occupational, and/or recreational therapists, etc.

It is the policy of the Burn Prevention Network to make its educational programs and services available to all persons, organizations, and places of business without regard to sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, race, creed, color, national origin, ability to pay, handicap or disability, and subject to the availability of institutional resources.

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Sponsors

Thank you to our 2018 Sponsors!

501(c)3 info: The Burn Prevention Network is a Non-Profit Charitable Corporation registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free 1-800-732-0999

  • Elvin Byler Sertoma Club
  • Burn Foundation – Philadelphia
  • Mike & Marie Zaia
  • Audrey & Ron Dideon
  • Santo Piccolomini
  • Jenn Nagle
  • Leah John
  • Fraternal Order of the Eagles
  • Patt Veterinary Assoc LLC
  • The Fleming Foundation
  • Molly Principe
  • Tori Boylan
  • Heal The Burn Foundation
  • Pam & Kevin John
  • Gary Reynolds
  • Mark Young
  • Lee Walp
  • Susan Numbers
  • Walter Okunski
  • Community Fire Company of Forks Township
  • Nozzlemen MC PA Chapter 1
  • Deep Patel
  • Michael Staggs
  • King Arthur Flour
  • Kathleen & David Sisca
  • Ed & Josephine Kavcak
  • Randy & Diann Darrow
  • Integra
  • 8th Annual Kenneth A Neidinger Memorial Ride
  • Lewisburg Fire Department
  • Consolidated Graphics Communication
  • Killer Interactive
  • Molnycke
  • Gayle Deck
  • Project Linus
  • Allie Childs
  • Angel Silvasy
  • Ankita Kulkarni
  • Ann Lushis
  • Annamarie Kleppinger
  • Anne Bridda
  • Anne Pettinaroli
  • AnnMarie DAmico
  • Anthony Bridda
  • Antoinette O’Donnell
  • Ari Forgosh
  • Ariana Elefterakis
  • Ashley Nassar
  • Ashley Patete
  • Ashley Shriner
  • Aurora Davis
  • Autumn Nanassy
  • Barbara Zimmerman
  • Bill Reichard
  • Blanca Ruiz
  • Bonnie Rives
  • Brandon & Ashly Nolt
  • Breck Artz
  • Brenda Helman
  • Brenda Seitz
  • Brenna Leeds
  • Brian Silfies
  • Briana Gdanitz
  • Candi, Larry & Sam Marsh
  • Charlette Woelkers
  • Chelsea Marsh
  • Cheryl Whitehead
  • Cindy Harwi
  • Claude & Lenore Kohl
  • Cynthia Jones-Gaffney
  • Cynthia Wenrich
  • Darlene Rompilla
  • Dave and Judy April
  • David Nelson
  • Debbie Smith
  • Della Steward & Adam Helman
  • Denise Campbell
  • Dennis Arter
  • Diane Jones
  • Diane Sheridan
  • Donna Maldonado
  • Donna Wetzel
  • Donora Family Chiropractic Center
  • Doris Herr
  • Dorothy Gray
  • Doug Mann
  • Edward Milton
  • Eighty Proof Screenprinting
  • Elaine and Thomas Herstek
  • Ellamae Bohn
  • Emily Sweeney
  • Eric Merrill
  • Erin Dougherty
  • Fernando Rivera
  • Gabrielle Felizzi
  • Gail and Dale Belschner
  • Gary Arena
  • Gene and Dorothy Belschner
  • Gerry & Angela McGlinn
  • Gladys Burak
  • Glenn and Karen Stankovics
  • Hailey Metzger
  • Haley Freeman
  • Hannah Schildkamp
  • Harshel Patel
  • Heather Collier
  • Heather Dekrell
  • Heather Major
  • Heather Post
  • Heather Solt
  • Jackie Horwat
  • Jaime Brogan
  • Jake Reichard
  • James Delaney
  • Jane Brion
  • Janice Demko
  • Jen Fike
  • Jenna Camacho
  • Jennifer & Jonah Ninger
  • Jerry O’Rourk
  • Jessica Andrews
  • Jessica Hanson
  • Jessica Smith
  • Jo Ellen Renninger
  • Joe Reichard
  • Joe & Katherine Stankovics
  • John & Maryjeanne Davis
  • John and Wendy Davis
  • John Bast
  • John Bolich
  • John Breting
  • John Degregory
  • John Toomey
  • Jordan Reichard
  • Jose & Nikole Davis
  • Joseph DiMaria
  • Joseph E. Sipel
  • Joseph Matits
  • Joseph Moore
  • Josette Cicacci
  • Joshua Baranski
  • Judy Payne
  • Julie Gower
  • Justine Belschner
  • Kadee Schwalm
  • Karen Hanna
  • Kelly Beauchamps
  • Kevin Klotz
  • Kevin Schreiber
  • Krupa Patel
  • Larissa Pawelski
  • Laura Dougherty
  • Leah Whitford
  • Leo Woelkers
  • Linda Dideon
  • Linda Hess
  • Linda Shanley
  • Lindsay Lotier
  • Lindsay Wyman
  • Lisa Chedwick
  • Lisa Miller
  • Lora Venzon
  • Lorianne Bridda
  • Lou Biancaniello
  • Lynn Kramer
  • MacKenzie Magner
  • Magda Lipski
  • Maria Penney-Seligson
  • Marian Hatton
  • Marie Boylan
  • Mark Rebimbas
  • Mary Boylan
  • Mary K. LaTempa
  • Maryellen Miller
  • Maryn Tillman
  • Mason, Juliana, & Chase Faller
  • Matthew Davis
  • Megan Anderson
  • Megan Marasco
  • Melissa Cabe
  • Michael Dukovich
  • Michele Moyer
  • Michelle Boonie
  • Michelle Whitehead
  • Mihir Patel
  • Miki Finken
  • Mildred Ambulance Association
  • Mo Thorne
  • Nancy & Norman Morris
  • Nancy Rodgers
  • New Franklin Ruritan Club
  • Nick & Vickie Simontis
  • Paarth Bhonsle
  • Pamela Post
  • Pamela S Hess
  • Patricia Schildkamp
  • Patrick LaSitis
  • Patty Rafalko-Copeland
  • Paul & Eileen Miller
  • Quinn Lease
  • Rachael Sandler
  • Rachel Gonzalez
  • Rachel Miller
  • Rafael Martinez
  • Raina and Ed Krusinsky
  • Raymond Culbreth
  • Rhoda Sikes
  • Rhoda Smith
  • Rob & Ashley Yanosky
  • Rochelle Thompson
  • Ron Bauer
  • Ruby Wilhide
  • Ryan Sisbarro
  • Salvatore Ventura
  • Sarah Mason
  • Sarah Merrill
  • Satya Gonzalez
  • Scott & Donna Sandler
  • Shawn Bausher
  • Slate Kleinsmith
  • Stacey Afflitto-Wain
  • Stacey Taylor
  • Steph Maiorana
  • Stephanie Krick
  • Steve Miller
  • Steve & Cheryl Schneider
  • Sue Shelton
  • Sue Sopko
  • Susan Wilson
  • Suzanne Wirtz
  • Takyra Kleinsmith
  • Tanisha Carter
  • Tatyana Volkov
  • Taylor Iobst
  • Teresa Myers
  • The Parr Family
  • The Solts
  • Tim Kleinsmith
  • Tom Boyla
  • Tony Arent
  • Traci Jones
  • Traci Sandler
  • Tracy Hartman
  • Valerie Wyman
  • Vicki Grzelak
  • Walter Lundon
  • Wendy Clough
  • Wendy Davis